Carson Hocevar Benched for Final Race After Team Cites Respect
Spire Motorsports will replace the 23-year-old driver with Justin Haley for the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
By Rebecca Foster ·
Carson Hocevar will not race in the No. 77 car during the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season finale. Spire Motorsports announced on Tuesday that the 23-year-old driver is suspended from the Nov. 8 event at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The team chose to make the move itself rather than waiting for an official penalty from NASCAR officials.
The suspension follows an incident during the Nov. 1 race at Martinsville Speedway. Drivers accused Hocevar of intentionally spinning his car to trigger a caution flag. The team stated that the decision was not driven by money or points, but by a commitment to respect and organizational integrity. Spire Motorsports noted that the right decision can sometimes hurt in the short term.
Justin Haley, a NASCAR veteran and former Spire driver, will replace Hocevar for the final race. Haley takes the wheel as the team prepares to conclude its racing schedule for the year. The swap ensures the No. 77 entry remains competitive on the track despite the roster change.
Hocevar described the suspension as an embarrassing day in a statement released by his team. He acknowledged that he crossed a line with his on-track actions. The driver said he let down the people who gave him the opportunity to drive a Cup car. He stated that his actions left owner Jeff Dickerson and Spire Motorsports with no other option but to find a replacement.
Hocevar has built a reputation for aggressive driving and charisma this season. That style contributed to his popularity among fans but also led to numerous on-track incidents. A viral brawl at Bristol in September further highlighted his intense competitive nature. He also had a run-in with Austin Cindric earlier in the year.
Despite the controversies, Hocevar achieved notable results in his young career. He earned his first Cup Series win at Talladega on April 26. He also advanced to the NASCAR postseason for the first time. In 35 races this season, he recorded one win, six top-five finishes, and 12 top-10 finishes. He entered the final race sitting 12th in the points standings.
Drivers in all three of NASCAR’s top series will compete this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The season finale marks the end of the 2026 racing slate. Hocevar’s absence means he will watch his team compete from the garage rather than on the track.
